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If you are thinking about installing a swimming pool on your property there are some obvious and some “not so obvious” factors to consider.

Budget is a huge factor, but not the only consideration. First, evaluate your reason for installing a pool. Is it purely for recreation? Do you have a family member who has a health condition that might benefit from daily swimming? What kind of space do you have for your pool? Do you plan on using the pool year round? What kind of building codes might apply in your city? Will your pool be for exercise only? Do you plan to include a hot tub or spa?

As with any project, we often end up spending much more than originally intended. Proper planning can help to minimize those “extra” expenditures. Give some consideration to how you would like the area around the pool landscaped and plan on that expense. Have you given any thought to maintenance cost? Pumps, filters and chemicals are regular expenses that need to be budgeted. Filling your pool initially will cause your water bill to rise significantly the first month. You will also want to consider the expense of water loss through normal usage of the pool.

The choice of swimming pools will be largely dependent on your answers to the previous questions. In a nutshell you have two choices, either in-ground or above-ground. Each has their own pluses and minuses.

An above-ground pool can be dismantled if you move to a new residence. They are also less expensive. Esthetically speaking, above-ground pools can be set up with decking and landscaping that rival more expensive in-ground pools. Often, the dealer you purchased from will offer setup and in some cases even decking and landscaping services.

In-ground pools are definitely more expensive than the portable, above-ground alternative. However, they usually increase the value of the property. If you have decided that an in-ground pool is best suited for your purposes, here are some steps you need to take:

1. Shop around for a contractor.
2. Obtain at least three written bids.
3. Make certain that ALL labor and materials are included as well as building permits.
4. Ask for a list of previous customers.
5. Don’t make a hasty decision. Take your time and don’t be pressured into signing a contract.
6. Check with the Better Business Bureau to determine if the contractor has any outstanding complaints.
7. Confirm that the contractor has the proper license.
8. Never pay the contractor in cash. Always use a check, cashiers check, money order or credit card so you have proof of purchase.

Purchasing a swimming pool is a major expenditure. The old adage of “an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure” applies. Plan your project properly and you will enjoy years of pleasure.

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It is normal to find mold spores in indoor air at home and surfaces such as clothing, walls and furniture. Most of the time mold spores found indoors come from external sources. Regular household cleaners will help mold low. Visible mold cleaning small areas, like mushrooms in the shower, is mandatory to ensure sanitary conditions.
When you should be more concerned is when your home has a large-scale of active mold growing. Such problems are most likely to happen when there’s been an on-going water leak, flood, or excessively high levels of humidity in the home. Indoor mold growth may lead to high levels of airborne mold spores, which, in turn, can trigger the spread of mold growth from the original source to additional areas of the home having high moisture levels.

Extensive mold growth will damage your home and furnishings, like carpets, sofas and cabinets. Over a period of time, uncontrolled mold growth can even instigate damage to structural elements of your home. While there is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment, keeping your home clean and dry can avert extensive mold growth and the ensuing damage.

Damage to your home and possessions is not the only reason to be concerned with mold.  Although most people are exposed to small amounts of mold or their spores on a daily basis without apparent harm, mold is an unsanitary condition that may present potential health risks to certain individuals.

Possible adverse health effects produced by molds can include allergic, irritating, or toxigenic effects, and even infections, allergic reactions being the most common. Symptoms reported by affected people include: respiratory conditions, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath, sneezing and/or nasal congestion, eye and/or throat irritation, headaches and fatigue.

Here are a few tips to keep moisture from becoming a breeding ground in your home for molds.

1.    Ensure that bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-creating sources are vented to the outside

2.    Take care not to block any of your house’s air conditioning vents

3.    Install de-humidifiers in basements and crawlspaces.

4.    Use your kitchen’s exhaust fans when cooking

5.    Install insulation on cold surfaces like piping, air ducts or basement walls to lessen possibilities of condensation

6.    Install moisture sensor alarms in potential water back-up and overflow areas to alert you when a leak occurs.